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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a missile test and called for a full-scale nuclear war, state media said on Monday, as Pyongyang assembled weapons ahead of a major political summit.
North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency said Sunday’s drill involving a hypersonic weapons system was designed to test combat readiness, hone the missile force’s operational capabilities and test the country’s potential for war.
“With the launch of today’s drill, we can confirm that the most important technical work for national defense has been completed,” Kim said, according to KCNA. “We must continue to improve the methods of war, especially offensive weapons systems.”
The announcement came a day after South Korea and Japan said they had discovered several North Korean missiles, which they denounced as a provocation. The drills also took place hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left for China to meet with President Xi Jinping.
HEGSETH APPLAUSES SOUTH KOREA’S PLAN TO TAKE A BIGGER ROLE IN NORTH KOREA DEFENSE.
In this photo provided by the North Korean government, leader Kim Jong Un, center, tests a test flight of a hypersonic missile, in Pyongyang, North Korea, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this photo distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is provided and cannot be independently verified. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
When fully operational, the hypersonic missile would give North Korea the ability to evade US and South Korean missile defense systems. Although Pyongyang has conducted a series of hypersonic tests in recent years, many foreign experts remain skeptical that the weapons have achieved the necessary speed and maneuverability.
In this photo provided by the North Korean government, leader Kim Jong Un walks down a street as he tests a hypersonic missile, in Pyongyang, North Korea, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
The latest test follows the latest launch of what North Korea described as long-range strategic missiles and new anti-aircraft systems, as well as photos released by the government showing progress on what it says is its first nuclear-powered submarine.
Experts say the regime is showing its weapons ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years. The meeting is expected to review military achievements and may indicate whether Kim plans to defect to the US or revive long-stalled nuclear talks.
NORTH KOREA HEATS UP BALLISTIC DAYS OF EVENTS AFTER HEGSETH CANCELS VISIT TO SOUTH KOREA
North Korea’s nuclear program is expected to be discussed during the summit between Lee and Xi. Lee’s office said the South Korean president plans to urge China – Pyongyang’s main ally and economic lifeblood – to play a “constructive role” in easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, center left, and his wife Kim Hea Kyung arrive for China at Seoul International Airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Defending his nuclear weapons expansion drive, Kim cited growing global instability.
“Why it is necessary is proven by the recent geopolitical crisis and complex international events,” he said.
The missile launch followed Saturday’s dramatic operation by the US military to remove Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and bring him to the US to face charges of plotting terrorism. North Korea condemned the operation, calling it further evidence of what it described as “the US’s evil and brutal attitude”.
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Analysts say the move is likely to strengthen Kim’s drive to expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, which he sees as vital to the country’s survival and sovereignty despite what Pyongyang sees as US-led hostility.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
